Comment on China, US ratification of Paris climate deal

Commitment of two of the world's biggest emitters is 'significant and exciting news', says Camilla Toulmin

By George Smeeton

info@eciu.net

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Commenting on the news that China and the US are moving to ratify the Paris climate change agreement, Camilla Toulmin, Senior fellow, Climate Change, at the IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development) said:

The Paris Agreement will come into force after it is ratified by at least 55 countries, which between them produce 55% of global carbon emissions. Image: United Nations Photo, creative commons licence
The Paris Agreement will come into force after it is ratified by at least 55 countries, which between them produce 55% of global carbon emissions. Image: United Nations Photo, creative commons licence

“That two of the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases are moving to ratify the landmark Paris climate change agreement is really significant and exciting news. There’s now a strong likelihood that it will come into effect this year, which for a major international agreement of this sort is fast

“It shows that the big countries are taking the Paris deal seriously and are committed to stepping up the world’s drive to tackle the risks posed by climate change. It’s also likely that states like China, which is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse for renewable energy, can see the positive opportunities that effectively addressing the problem do bring.

“There’s no reason now for the UK not to ratify the agreement as soon as possible. Doing so would help cement our reputation for leadership on climate change and send a strong signal to countries globally that we’re looking to build stronger links with in a post-Brexit world that we’re working with them towards a common goal.”